He said United fans understood the need for patience as their team begins what is likely to be a long period of rehabilitation following the turmoil of Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement and David Moyes’ tenure.

“I think the fans understand,” said Giggs . “The fans have been great this year, the supporters understand that we all want to be back up at the top and, if it takes a bit of time, then I’m sure they’ll support us and we’re all pulling in the right ­direction.

“It’s a big summer. Obviously it’s not been a great season, so for us to get back up there we need to improve, whether that be young players getting better or players who haven’t had ­experience getting better.

“Obviously players are going to come in. And at United you obviously need that bit of quality that we didn’t show today but I still maintain there’s quality in the dressing room.

“With Manchester United you’ve got to try and challenge every year so that’s what we’ll do. Whether it will happen we’ll have to wait and see, but you’ve seen it with Liverpool.

“I don’t think anyone here would think that Liverpool would be in the position they’re in this season – that they’ve had a great season – so it can happen. The best thing to do is ­obviously get the best man for the job and if that takes time then so be it.

“I don’t think it’s necessarily that it needs to be sorted quickly, it’s just the best man for the job.”